PUTTING YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS?

There are so many things going through my mind lately. It's difficult to be the one who created a ministry and then have to use and build upon the practical applications you have tried to encourage your team and your teens to apply to their own lives. In some ways I would liken my own children to Pastor's kids. They are watched very closely, they are expected to perform at a totally different level/standard than any other kid and when they make a mistake it has greater repercussions than other young people their age.

How does a parent be supportive of their child, allow them to grow up and learn to make their own decisions yet not give them "enough rope to hang themselves"?

I wish I could say that as a mom of four daughters I have answers for you all - but I don't. And the more I walk this road, the more I realize it's REALLY DIFFICULT.

I just wanted to put this out there for you girls so you can see just how tough it really is for your parents and maybe you could cut them some slack. Those of you who have parents that are actually involved in your lives - learn to appreciate this! It's not uncommon for parents to be so consumed with their jobs and themselves that they are not involved in their children's lives at all. So, of you come from a home where your mom and dad actually take time to talk to you and you think they're prying - THINK AGAIN and give them a little credit for taking time to be involved in your lives.

I guess the reason I have titled this "PUTTING YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS" is just the thought that so many of the young women I've worked with have committed to purity and desire to live a lifestyle that exemplifies purity but the first guy that comes along that they fall head over heels for everything is out the window. Don't jump in with both feet. Take some time...pray about things...forging ahead throwing caution to the wind is dangerous. If your parents are concerned and not to sure about the relationship, LISTEN TO THEM. They aren't doing this to make you miserable. They aren't saying things to undermine your love story. They are sincerely desiring to help guide you and direct you. All those things you thought about and talked about at the purity conferences or journaled during your quiet times...REREAD THEM! Take time to go over everything then "put your money where your mouth is" and stay within the parameters you set for yourself. God placed those on your heart for a reason and He wants what's best for you. He doesn't want you miserable. He wants you to be focused on Him.

My friend Kristie had this on her status: I think often when we are waiting prayerfully and desperately for an answer from the Lord, especially if the wait is long, it's easy to get more focused on the hope of the answer rather than the Answerer. HE is the prize. HE is always the prize.


The PRIZE...is it worth waiting for? worth working towards? DON'T SETTLE...Don't block those who truly love you out of your life just because they're not saying what you want to hear. They have your best interest at heart as well and God has placed them in your life for a reason!

Next time your mom or dad take a moment to share their concerns with you - don't shut them down, don't throw a tantrum, don't close them out. Take a deep breath and listen. Listen closely, openly and pray about it. Then formulate your response and talk it over with them.

He is the prize! He's ALWAYS the prize! For our focus to be on Him and not the moment will enable us to put our money where our mouth is and actually fulfill those commitments we have made to Him.